U.S. patent application number 14/716787 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-24 for wireless content loader for entertainment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hasse Sinivaara.
Application Number | 20160344792 14/716787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55650064 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160344792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sinivaara; Hasse |
November 24, 2016 |
WIRELESS CONTENT LOADER FOR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A battery-powered wireless content loader for an entertainment
system of a vehicle includes a multi-mode wireless data
communications module with at least a first communications mode and
a second communications mode. A controller establishes a data link
to a remote content server with the multi-mode wireless data
communications module to retrieve multimedia content from the
remote content server. The controller selects either one or both of
the communications modes based at least in part upon an evaluation
of availability of an access point for the first communications
mode within range. A data storage device stores the retrieved
multimedia content. An electrical power storage supplies power in
response to the vehicle being powered down. The controller copies
the multimedia content stored on the data storage device to a
content server of the entertainment system following the electrical
system of the vehicle being powered up.
Inventors: |
Sinivaara; Hasse; (Mission
Viejo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION |
LAKE FOREST |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC AVIONICS
CORPORATION
LAKE FOREST
CA
|
Family ID: |
55650064 |
Appl. No.: |
14/716787 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/43637 20130101;
H04N 21/25841 20130101; H04N 21/4184 20130101; H04W 4/40 20180201;
H04B 7/0413 20130101; H04N 21/23116 20130101; H04N 21/432 20130101;
H04N 21/4436 20130101; H04N 21/42646 20130101; H04L 67/06 20130101;
H04N 21/26291 20130101; H04N 21/41422 20130101; H04W 4/44 20180201;
H04N 21/2146 20130101; H04N 21/6131 20130101; B64D 11/00155
20141201; H04N 21/4524 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04W 4/04 20060101 H04W004/04; H04B 7/04 20060101
H04B007/04 |
Claims
1. A content loader for downloading multimedia content from a
remote content server over one or a combination of a first wireless
network and a second wireless network to a content server of an
entertainment system of a vehicle having an electrical system, the
content loader comprising: a multi-mode wireless data
communications module having at least a first communications mode
corresponding to the first wireless network and a second
communications mode corresponding to the second wireless network; a
controller that establishes a data link to the remote content
server with the multi-mode wireless data communications module, the
controller activating either one or both of the first
communications mode and the second communications mode based at
least in part upon an evaluation of availability of the first
wireless network being within range; a data storage device that
stores the retrieved multimedia content; and an electrical power
storage device selectively connectible to the multi-mode wireless
data communications module, the controller, and the data storage
device in response to the electrical system of the vehicle being
powered down, the electrical power storage device being
rechargeable; wherein the controller downloads multimedia content
while the electrical system of the vehicle is powered down and
copies the multimedia content stored on the data storage device to
the content server of the entertainment system following the
electrical system of the vehicle being powered up.
2. The content loader of claim 1, wherein: the first communications
mode is a cellular network; and the second communications mode is a
wireless local area network.
3. The content loader of claim 2, wherein: the data link is
selectively carried over the first wireless network of a first
provider and the first wireless network of a second provider as
defined by subscriber identities stored on a respective one of a
first subscriber identification module and a second subscriber
identification module both connected to the multi-mode wireless
data communications module.
4. The content loader of claim 3, wherein the selection of the
first wireless network of the first provider and the first wireless
network of the second provider is based upon a reported geographic
location of the aircraft.
5. The content loader of claim 2, wherein the multi-mode wireless
data communications module includes a multiple-input, multiple
output (MIMO) transceiver with a plurality of input lines and a
plurality of output lines, combinations of one or more of the
plurality of input lines and one or more of the plurality of output
lines defining MIMO streams.
6. The content loader of claim 5, further comprising: a plurality
of internal antenna elements; a plurality of external antenna
elements; a first one of the MIMO streams connected to one or more
of the plurality of internal antenna elements; and a second one of
the MIMO streams connected to one or more of the plurality of
external antenna elements. a plurality of antenna connection lines
each corresponding and connected to at least one of the plurality
of input lines and the plurality of output lines.
7. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the data link includes a
virtual private network (VPN) tunnel from the controller to the
remote content server.
8. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the electrical power
storage device comprises a lithium-ion battery.
9. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the electrical power
storage device comprises a lithium iron phosphate battery.
10. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the electrical power
storage device comprises a fuel cell.
11. The content loader of claim 8, further comprising: a charging
circuit connected to the electrical power storage device and
connectible to an electrical power source of the vehicle.
12. The content loader of claim 11, wherein the electrical power
storage device is recharged with the charging circuit following the
electrical system of the vehicle being powered up.
13. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the multi-mode wireless
data communications module, the controller, the data storage
device, and the electrical power storage are integrated into a
single line-replaceable unit mounted to the vehicle.
14. The content loader of claim 1, wherein: the multi-mode wireless
data communications module, the controller, and the data storage
device are integrated into a first line replaceable unit mounted to
the vehicle; and the electrical power storage is integrated into a
second line replaceable unit mounted to the vehicle.
15. The content loader of claim 1, wherein the data storage device
is a solid state drive.
16. A wireless multimedia content loader for transferring
multimedia content retrieved over a data transfer link from a
remote content source server to an entertainment system content
server of a vehicle having a main vehicle electrical system, the
wireless multimedia content loader comprising: a central processing
unit; a data storage device connected to the central processing
unit; one or more vehicle state sensor inputs lines connected to
the central processing unit; a vehicle network terminal controller
connected to the central processing unit and in data transfer
communication with the entertainment system content server; a
wireless communications subsystem that establishes the data
transfer link and is connected to the central processing unit, the
multimedia content being downloadable from the remote content
source server over the established data transfer link; and a power
management module that regulates electrical power supplied to the
wireless multimedia content loader, the power management module
including a power source switch having a first input connected to
an external rechargeable source and a second input connected to the
main vehicle electrical system, the power source switch being
selectively activated by the central processing in response to a
first predetermined signal to the central processing unit from the
one or more vehicle state sensor input lines.
17. The wireless multimedia content loader of claim 16, wherein the
central processing unit commands the power management module to
source electrical power from the main aircraft electrical system in
response to a second predetermined signal from the one or more
vehicle state sensor input lines.
18. The wireless multimedia content loader of claim 17, wherein the
central processing unit directs the copying of the multimedia
content stored on the data stored device while the power management
module is directing electrical power from the main vehicle
electrical system.
19. The wireless multimedia content loader of claim 16, wherein the
central processing unit directs the downloading of the multimedia
content from the remote content source server while the power
management module is directing electrical power from the external
rechargeable power source.
20. The wireless multimedia content loader of claim 16, wherein the
wireless communications subsystem has at least a wireless local
area network mode and a cellular network mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Technical Field
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to data
communications devices for the field, and more particularly, to
battery-powered wireless content loaders for vehicle entertainment
systems.
[0005] 2. Related Art
[0006] Air travel typically involves journeys over extended
distances that at the very least take several hours to complete.
Some of the longer non-stop international flights have scheduled
durations of over sixteen hours with travelled distances extending
beyond ten thousand miles. Passengers on board the aircraft are
confined within an enclosed space of a designated seat for the
entire duration of the flight, with only a few limited
opportunities to leave the seat for use of the lavatory and so
forth. Thus, even on the shortest trips an airline passenger has
some idle time, which the passenger may occupy with work, leisure,
and/or rest.
[0007] Many passengers bring their own personal electronic devices
such as smart phones, media players, electronic readers, tablets,
laptop computers, and so forth, for the express purpose of keeping
occupied, but airlines also accommodate its customers with
in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. Although the specific
installation may vary depending on the service class, each
passenger seat is equipped with a display device, an audio output
modality, an input modality such as a remote control, and a
terminal unit. Generally, the terminal unit may generate video and
audio signals, receive inputs from the remote control, and execute
pre-programmed instructions in response thereto. The display device
is typically an LCD screen that is installed on the seatback of the
row in front of the passenger, though in some cases it may be
mounted to a bulkhead or retractable arm or the like that is in
turn mounted to the passenger's seat. Furthermore, the audio output
modality is a headphone jack, to which a headphone, either supplied
by the airline or by the passenger, may be connected.
[0008] Via the display and the audio outputs, a wide variety of
multimedia content can be presented to the passenger. Recently
released movies are a popular viewing choice, as are television
shows such as news programs, situation and stand-up comedies,
documentaries, and so on. Useful information about the destination
such as airport disembarking procedures, immigration and custom
procedures and the like is also frequently presented. Audio-only
programming is also available, typically comprised of playlists of
songs fitting into a common theme or genre. Likewise, video-only
content such as flight progress mapping, flight status displays,
and so forth are available. Many in-flight entertainment systems
also include video games that may be played by the passenger using
the remote control, which may also have alternative uses, namely,
for navigating through the vast multimedia content library and
making selections thereof for viewing and/or listening. Thus, the
terminal unit may also include a content selection application with
a graphical user interface, through which such navigation of the
multimedia content library is possible. The foregoing types of
programming that can be presented to the passenger via the
in-flight entertainment system will henceforth be generally
referred to as multimedia content.
[0009] The multimedia content is encoded and stored as digital
data, with a video decoder and audio decoder of the terminal unit
functioning to generate the aforementioned video and audio signals
therefrom. It is desirable to have a wide range of different
multimedia content to satisfy the varying tastes of passengers. It
is also desirable to have a sufficient volume of multimedia content
so that passengers can remain occupied with entertainment for the
entire duration of the flight. Accordingly, the multimedia content
stored onboard the aircraft can range in the hundreds of gigabytes,
if not over a terabyte. The majority of the data comprises the
video programming, although the audio and video game content may be
significant as well. This data is typically not stored on each
individual terminal unit, but rather, in a central content server
also onboard the aircraft. In this regard, the terminal unit is
understood to incorporate networking modalities such as Ethernet to
establish data communications with the central content server. Once
a particular selection of multimedia content is requested by the
passenger via the content selection application, the terminal unit
may retrieve the same from the central content server, decode the
data, and present it to the passenger.
[0010] As important as variety and volume may be in regards to the
multimedia content, novelty is as important for airlines to keep
its passengers engaged with the in-flight entertainment system,
particularly for valuable frequent fliers. Thus, the multimedia
content stored on the content server must be frequently updated.
Due to the large volume of data involved, a portable content loader
that is generally comprised of a hard disk drive, an optical drive,
or a solid state drive loaded with the update data is physically
carried onboard while the aircraft is on the ground and connected
to the central content server. A download process is then
initiated, and once complete, the portable content loader is
disconnected and removed from the aircraft.
[0011] In part because of the laborious manual procedures involved,
the foregoing update process typically takes place on a monthly
schedule during extend layovers between flights, such as when
aircraft maintenance is conducted. However, it would be desirable
for new multimedia content to be made available on a more frequent
basis, incorporating programming that may be only days or even a
few hours old. In response to this need, airborne data loaders that
utilize wireless networking for multimedia content retrieval have
been developed. Existing airborne data loaders are powered directly
from the aircraft electrical system, and hence only operate while
the aircraft is powered on. Other terminal devices have also
utilized WiFi modalities to download content onto an aircraft, but
these typically require the aircraft to be parked near the gate,
where a WiFi access point is available. Additionally, satellite
downlink-based loaders are also known in the art, but a separate,
dedicated antenna(s) that typically utilize phased array technology
must be installed on the aircraft exterior. There are additional
power requirements for such satellite modalities as well.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
wireless content loader for in-flight entertainment systems.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure contemplates a wireless content
loader for an entertainment system of a vehicle. According to one
embodiment, the content loader may include a multi-mode wireless
data communications module having at least a first communications
mode and a second communications mode. Additionally, there may be a
controller that establishes a data link to a remote content server
with the multi-mode wireless data communications module. Via this
data link, multimedia content can be retrieved from the remote
content server. The controller can select either one or both of the
first communications mode and the second communications mode based
at least in part upon an evaluation of availability of an access
point for the first communications mode being within range of the
system. The wireless content loader may also include a data storage
device that can store the retrieved multimedia content. There may
also be an electrical power storage device that can supply power to
the multi-mode wireless data communications module, the controller,
and the data storage device in response to an electrical system of
the vehicle being powered down. The controller may copy the
multimedia content stored on the data storage device to a content
server of the entertainment system following the electrical system
of the vehicle being powered up.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present disclosure contemplates a
wireless multimedia content loader. The content loader may include
a central processing unit, as well as a data storage device that is
connected to the central processing unit. Furthermore, there may be
one or more vehicle state sensor inputs lines that are also
connected to the central processing unit. The content loader may
include a vehicle network terminal controller that is connected to
the central processing unit and in data transfer communications
with an entertainment system content server to which multimedia
content stored on the data storage device is copied. The content
loader may further include a wireless communications subsystem that
is connected to the central processing unit and establishes a data
transfer link by which the multimedia content is downloaded from a
remote content source server. There may additionally be a power
management module regulating electrical power supplied to the
central processing unit, the data storage device, the vehicle
network terminal controller and the wireless communications
subsystem. The central processing unit may command the power
management module to source electrical power from an external
rechargeable power source in response to a first predetermined
signal from the one or more vehicle state sensor input lines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary wireless content loader
connected to and shown in the context of an aircraft in-flight
entertainment system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a detailed functional block diagram of one
embodiment of the wireless content loader in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a hardware implementation of
the wireless content loader in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a line
replaceable unit (LRU) incorporating the wireless content loader of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present disclosure is directed to battery-powered
wireless content loaders for vehicle entertainment systems, such as
an in-flight entertainment for an aircraft. The detailed
description set forth below in connection with the appended
drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred
embodiments of the content loader, and is not intended to represent
the only form in which it can be developed or utilized. The
description sets forth the features of the content loader in
connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be
understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be
accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be
encompassed with the present disclosure. It is further understood
that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the
like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without
necessarily requiring or implying any actual such order or
relationship between such entities.
[0021] The diagram of FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary aircraft 10 in
which various embodiments of the presently disclosed wireless
content loader may be implemented. Within a fuselage 12 of the
aircraft 10 there are seats 14 arranged over multiple rows 16, and
each seat 14 accommodating a single passenger. Although the
features of the present disclosure will be described in the context
of passenger aircraft 10 and amenities therefor, other passenger
vehicles such as trains, watercraft, buses, and others utilizing
integrated entertainment systems may be substituted.
[0022] In a typical configuration, each passenger is provided with
an in-flight entertainment (IFE) unit 18, which is generally
comprised of a terminal unit 20, a display 22, an audio output 24,
and a remote controller 26. For a given row 16 of seats 14, the
terminal unit 20 and the audio output 24 are disposed on the seat
14 for which it is provided, but the display 22 and the remote
controller 26 may be disposed on the row 16 in front of the seat 14
to which it is provided. That is, the display 22 and the remote
controller 26 are installed on the seatback of the row in front of
the seat. It will be appreciated that this is by way of example
only, and other display 22 and remote controller 26 mounting and
access configurations such as a retractable arm or the like mounted
to an armrest of the seat 14 may be employed on a bulkhead.
[0023] The display 22 is understood to be a conventional liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen with a low profile that is suitable
for installation on the seatback. Each passenger can utilize an
individual headset 25, supplied by either the airline or by the
passenger, which provides a more private listening experience. In
the illustrated embodiment, the audio output 24 is a headphone jack
that is a standard ring/tip/sleeve socket. The headphone jack may
be disposed in proximity to the display 22 or on the armrest of the
seat 14 as shown. The headphone jack may be an active type with
noise canceling and including three sockets or a standard audio
output without noise canceling. In alternate embodiments, each
display 22 may incorporate a terminal unit 20 to form a display
unit referred to in the art as a smart monitor.
[0024] As discussed earlier, the terminal unit 20 may be
implemented with a general purpose data processor that decodes the
data files corresponding to the multimedia content and generate
video and audio signals to the display 22 and the audio output 24,
respectively. The multimedia content data files are stored in a
repository 28 that is accessed by an in-flight entertainment system
content server 30. The terminal units 20 for each seat 14 may be
connected to the in-flight entertainment system content server 30
over a local area network 32, which may preferably be Ethernet.
Thus, over the local area network 32, the terminal units 20
initiate a request for the multimedia content to the in-flight
entertainment system content server 30, which responds to such
request by retrieving the requested multimedia content from the
repository 28 and streaming it to the requesting terminal unit 20.
There are a variety of ways in which the functionality of the
in-flight entertainment system content server 30 and the terminal
units 20 may be implemented, and the foregoing is by way of example
only.
[0025] Along these lines, the specifics of the multimedia content
are not pertinent to the features of the wireless content loader
34, though it is generally comprised of recently released movies,
television shows such as news programs, comedy, documentaries, and
informational content pertinent to the flight destination.
Furthermore, multimedia content may also encompass audio-only
programming, as well as interactive games, flight progress mapping,
flight status displays, newspapers/magazines readable on the
display 22, and so on. Broadly, multimedia content is intended to
refer to any content of varying duration and form that can be
presented to the passenger via the display 22 or the audio output
24, or a combination thereof.
[0026] The passenger can play the aforementioned games and
otherwise interact with the multimedia content with the remote
controller 26. Navigating through the vast multimedia content
library and selecting ones for viewing and/or listening is also
possible with the remote controller 26, though in some embodiments,
a touch-screen display may be provided for a more intuitive
interaction with the multimedia content library. In either case,
the terminal unit 20 is loaded with a content selection software
application that is executed by the data processor and accepts
input from the remote controller 26 or other input modality and
generates a response on the graphical interface presented on the
display 22.
[0027] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, a content loader 34 may be utilized to download
multimedia content updates 36 for storage in the repository 28. In
particular, such multimedia content updates 36 may be downloaded
overnight while the aircraft 10 is powered off. In some cases, the
aircraft 10 is parked at or near the gate terminal such that a
nearby Wi-Fi access point 37 can be utilized to connect to a remote
content server 38. Alternatively, when the aircraft 10 is parked
away from the gate where no Wi-Fi access exists, a cellular
network, via a cellular network gateway 39 can be utilized to
connect to the remote content server 38. The Wi-Fi access point 37
and the cellular network gateway 39 may be connected to the remote
content server 38 over the Internet or other network 41, e.g., an
intranet or private network.
[0028] Depicted in FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the
content loader 34, which segregates the various functions thereof
into different logical modules and shows the inputs and outputs to
and from each such logical module. The division of these functions
and grouping into generalized modules is presented by way of
example only and not of limitation, and there are alternative
embodiments described in further detail below in which different
components perform different functions.
[0029] One embodiment of the content loader 34 includes a data
storage device 40 on which the downloaded multimedia content
updates 36 may be stored. Although the particulars may vary, the
data storage device 40 may preferably, though optionally, be a
solid state drive (SSD) of at least 512 GB, though a more minimal
implementation may utilize a drive with 256 GB capacity.
[0030] The content loader 34 also includes a multi-mode wireless
data communications module 42, which may have at least a first
communications mode and a second communications mode. As briefly
mentioned above, one of the communications modes can be a Wireless
LAN modality that conforms to the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, also known in the
art as Wi-Fi. In order to implement this first communications mode,
the multi-mode wireless data communications module 42 may
incorporate a Wi-Fi network interface card (NIC) 44. In order to
ensure compatibility with all possible Wi-Fi access points that may
be encountered, the NIC 44 is understood to have both 2.4 GHz and 5
GHz modes, and implement all existing 802.11 standards, including
a, g, n, and ac protocols. The Wi-Fi NIC 44 may be connected to one
or more antennas, and preferably three so that 3.times.3 MIMO
(Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) Operation is possible, the details of
which will be provided below. The antennas may be incorporated into
the line-replaceable unit of the content loader 34, or
alternatively, may be externally mounted to the fuselage 12 of the
aircraft 10, with signal transmission lines connecting such
antennas to the line-replaceable unit. In different embodiments,
the connector that links the antenna line to the ports of the
content loader are based on a subminiature-A (SMA) coaxial RF
connector that can be panel-mounted, flange-mounted, or a bulkhead
type.
[0031] The second wireless communications mode, as mentioned above,
is a cellular network modality. A wide variety of technologies and
standards for cellular data communications are deployed around the
world, and because the aircraft 10 is likely to be flown to
numerous worldwide destinations, the multi-mode wireless data
communications module 42 is configured for different cellular
technologies/technology families. One such cellular technology is
GSM/EDGE (Global System for Mobile Communications/Enhance Data
Rates for GSM Evolution. The data service of EDGE is also referred
to as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), and is likewise
implemented in the multi-mode wireless data communications module
42. The latest advancement is also referred to as 4G LTE (Long Term
Evolution), and a layer-1 data rate up to 500 Mbit/s is envisioned.
There are two existing transmission technologies with
LTE--Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex
(TDD). Because different countries have varying frequency
allocations, the multi-mode wireless data communications module 42
is configured for different FDD transmissions between the 700 MHz
band and the 2600 MHz band, including the 700 MHz band, the 800 MHz
band, the 900 MHz band, the 1800 MHz band, the 1900 MHz band, and
the 2100 MHz band in particular. Earlier GSM-based systems such as
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) with operating
frequencies in the 850 MHz band, the 900 MHz band, the 1900 MHz
band, and the 2100 MHz band are also supported. Furthermore,
operation in the AWS band and the 800 MHz band are contemplated,
though this is optional. An alternative cellular technology also
implemented in the multi-mode wireless data communications module
is W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), the third
generation (3G) data service component of which is known in the art
as HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access).
[0032] The second operating mode of the multi-mode wireless data
communications module 42 may be implemented as a cellular system
46, also referred to as a cellular RF (Radio Frequency) module,
which includes one or more baseband processors 49 for the multiple
cellular technologies, corresponding transceivers 50, and front end
modules 52 for the receive and transmit lines of each of the
transceivers 50 connected to antennas. As RF circuit designs for
cellular network communications are conventional and well-known in
the art, the details thereof will be omitted. According to one
embodiment, more than one cellular system 46 can be concurrently
operating, and so there may be a 4G LTE cellular system 46a and a
3G cellular system 46b. Along these lines, the Wi-Fi NIC 44 can
also be concurrently operating with one or all of the cellular
systems 46. The operating mode and frequency band for each of the
cellular systems 46 may each be set independently.
[0033] The antennas to which the input and output lines of the
front end modules 52 are connected may be either integrated into
the line replaceable unit of the content loader 34, or externally
installed on the fuselage 12 of the aircraft 10. In one
implementation, there may be two connections to two antennas
(either internal or external mount) for 2.times.2
Multiple-In-Multiple-Out MIMO operation.
[0034] A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 48 is utilized to
identify the content loader 34 to available cellular networks with
data encoded thereon. The SIM card 48 is inserted into a dedicated
socket connected to the cellular system 46, and the encoded data is
read by the baseband processor 49. Either of the cellular systems
46a, 46b can utilize either one of the SIM cards 48a, 48b, and
different SIM cards 48 card be swapped depending on the
availability of the cellular network(s) to which the aircraft
operator subscribes. The first SIM card 48a may be used to connect
to the aircraft operator-preferred cellular network, while the
second SIM card 48b may be used to connect to a third-party
contracted roaming operator network while the aircraft 10 is
abroad. However, roaming capabilities may also be part of the
aircraft operator-preferred cellular network subscription. The
identity or network association of the SIM cards 48 is presented by
way of example only and not of limitation.
[0035] Again, various embodiments of the present disclosure
contemplate maximum interoperability with different cellular
technologies and standards around the world. Setting the proper
configuration options for the cellular systems 46 to access these
networks may begin with retrieving the mobile country code (MCC) or
the mobile network code (MNC) to identify location. There may be a
lookup table that matches each possible MCC or MNC to selection of
the appropriate cellular systems 46, operating mode (e.g., LTE, 3G,
GSM) and operating frequency. Alternatively, GPS, city pair, or any
other location based information can be used to control the
selection of a particular one of the SIM cards 48. As a general
matter, the faster networks are preferred, so the LTE modalities
may be prioritized. Nevertheless, the multi-mode wireless data
communications module 42 may scan through different available
networks, and a step-wise scanning procedure by which different
modes and frequencies are activated and deactivated may be
implemented. To the extent roaming service is needed, the selection
of a particular cellular network may be based upon an evaluation of
a matrix of roaming charges in each geographic area.
[0036] Regardless of whether Wi-Fi or cellular network modalities
are utilized to establish the data transfer link with the remote
content server 38, all transmissions between the content loader 34
and the remote content server 38 are understood to take place over
a virtual private network (VPN). To this end, as shown in the block
diagram of FIG. 2, the content loader 34 may include a VPN client
54, and there may be a corresponding VPN server 58 at the remote
content server 38. The software instructions implementing the
functionality of the VPN client 54, along with other functions
described in further detail below, may be executed by a controller
56. According to one embodiment, the controller 56 may be a general
purpose microcontroller with CPUs incorporating Intel.RTM., AMD,
ARM based, or other architectures. There are contemplated minimum
performance requirements, namely, data transfer rates of at least
up to 500 Mbit/s in the physical layer (layer-1), though this is by
way of example only and not of limitation.
[0037] Generally, the controller 56 establishes the data link to
the remote content server 38 with the multi-mode wireless data
communications module 42 to retrieve the multimedia content updates
36. The controller 56 also selects the communications mode (e.g.,
4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, etc.) based at least in part upon the
aforementioned evaluation of the availability of a suitable access
point in close proximity to the aircraft 10. The Wi-Fi
communications mode may be preferred when available in order to
reduce cellular network data charges. The anticipated size of the
multimedia content updates 36 is approximately 200 gigabytes, which
with an average download rate of 74.1 Mbps, the transfer can be
completed within six hours. The download rates may be faster
depending on the network conditions, and once completed, the
content loader 34 may cease operation. Further improvements in data
transfer speeds may be achieved with the combined use of both
communications modes. Additionally, reliance on the cellular
network may be reduced with the use of LIPA/SIPTO (Local IP Access
and Selected Internet IP Traffic Offload).
[0038] The virtual private network encrypts all data traffic
between the content loader 34 and the remote content server 38, and
is understood to be Cisco IPSec-compliant. Different
implementations of VPN may be utilized, with multiple VPN tunnels
being supported. Different cryptographic functions to ensure data
integrity such as SHA-1 (secure hash algorithm), MD5, and RSA may
be provided, and multiple encryption modalities are contemplated,
including DES, 3DES, and AES. Authentication may be performed over
the RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) protocol to
an existing remote RADIUS server 60. In addition to the VPN client
54, the content loader 34 includes a firewall 62 that implements
network address translation as well as Media Access Control (MAC)
address filtering, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and PPoe
routing.
[0039] An electrical power storage device or battery 64 supplies
power to the various components of the content loader 34 under
certain predetermined conditions. Under some conditions, the
content loader 34 may be powered from the main electrical system of
the aircraft 10, which is understood to supply a DC voltage of 28
V. The distribution of electrical power can be governed by a power
regulator module 66 that is connected to the controller 56. The
logic of when and under what conditions the power regulator module
66 directs the electrical power from either the electrical power
storage device 64 or the main electrical system of the aircraft 10
may be implemented by the controller 56 in some embodiments, with
the power regulator module 66 in effect being a switch that
redirects the electrical power from one source to another. The
components of the content loader 34 operate on various voltages
from 5V DC to 28 V DC, so the power regulator module 66 is
understood to be capable of outputting discrete voltage levels
across this range. The quality of the electrical signal output from
the power regulator module 66 to the various components of the
content loader 34, regardless of source, may be improved with
various conditioning and voltage regulator circuitry. Additionally,
various protection circuits for power overload, short circuit, and
so on may be incorporated into the power regulator module 66.
[0040] In one embodiment, the electrical power storage device 64 is
a battery of one or more cells. The desirable power output and
capacity characteristics may be achieved with a lithium-ion type
battery, such as lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium
nickel cobalt, lithium polymer or other lithium type battery. Due
to higher chemical and thermal stability, lithium iron phosphate
may be preferred for applications where safety is of paramount
concern, such as in aviation, or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum
oxide in which the aluminum provides greater chemical stability.
Lithium-polymer batteries may be shaped to correspond to the space
available in a line replaceable unit. Lithium batteries for
aviation applications are available from Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. of
Sumoto City, Japan, in which Sanyo is a subsidiary of Panasonic
Corporation. A possible alternative to lithium batteries is a fuel
cell or cells. In either case, sufficient energy to power the
various components of the content loader 34, particularly, the
controller 56 and the multi-mode wireless data communications
module 42, is preferable for at least three hours, and more
preferably, a minimum of six hours. According to one embodiment,
this requirement may be met with the electrical power storage
device 64 having at least an 18 amp-hours capacity or an inclusive
range from 80 to 100 watt-hours, and more preferably at least 138
watt-hours of capacity. The electrical power storage device 64 is
preferably a rechargeable type, and in this regard, there may be a
charging circuit 68 connected thereto and to the main electrical
system of the aircraft 10 for convenient recharging thereof. The
charging circuit 68 is contemplated to monitor the charging level,
the temperature, and other conditions of the electrical power
storage 64, and include indicators therefor. When charging is
completed, or when the electrical power storage 64 is in a
dangerous condition, the charging circuit 68 can discontinue
charging. The electrical power storage 64 may be integrated into a
single line replaceable unit of the content loader 34, or provided
in a separate line replaceable unit independent of the remaining
components of the content loader 34, both configurations of which
will be described in further detail below.
[0041] The content loader 34 is powered by the electrical power
storage device 64 when the aircraft 10 is powered down, that is,
when there is no electrical power available from the main
electrical system of the aircraft 10. Furthermore, the
aforementioned connection and download procedure of the multimedia
content updates 36 is contemplated to proceed during the time when
the aircraft 10 is parked overnight during the hours of midnight to
6:00 am on a tarmac or in a hangar. Since in these circumstances
the aircraft 10 is not powered on, the electrical power storage
device 64 is utilized instead. Although a variety of inputs that
designate this state of the aircraft 10 can be utilized, one
embodiment utilizes either a Weight on Wheels (WoW) sensor or a
door sensor. As will be recognized by those having ordinary skill
in the art, the WoW sensor indicates that weight is on the landing
gears, meaning that the aircraft 10 is on the ground and not
airborne. Furthermore, the door sensor indicates that the fuselage
door is unlocked, also indicating that the aircraft 10 is not
airborne, and further, not in a condition for imminent flight. The
corresponding inputs 69a, 69b thereof are received by the
controller 56, and can be used to switch the power regulator module
66 to the electrical power storage 64.
[0042] Once the download of the multimedia content updates 36
completes by the following morning and the aircraft 10 is powered
up again, the data storage device 40 is accessed by the in-flight
entertainment system content server 30 to transfer the downloaded
multimedia content updates 36 thereto. Still referring to the block
diagram of FIG. 2, the content loader 34 includes a local area
network module 70 that is connected to the local area network 32
that allows for communications with the in-flight entertainment
system content server 30. The local area network module 70 is
capable of gigabit Ethernet operation, though fallback to 10/100
megabit operation is also contemplated. The powering up of the
aircraft 10 initiates the recharging of the electrical power
storage device 64.
[0043] From time to time, it may be necessary to update certain
software and/or firmware of the content loader 34, and perform
other maintenance tasks. Such tasks may be performed locally by
connecting a conventional computer system to the content loader 34
via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection 71. Although USB is
specified according to a preferred embodiment, any other suitable
computer to computer interface may be substituted without departing
from the present disclosure. Alternatively, it is possible to
perform these tasks remotely over the SNMP protocol. The download
of software or firmware updates may occur without personnel
intervention, and can be included in the multimedia content updates
36 either before or after the initial payload data transmission.
Any known techniques for automatic delivery of updates may be
used.
[0044] The content loader 34 has been described above in terms of
the various functional modules thereof. Another embodiment of the
content loader 34 depicted in FIG. 3, while incorporating the same
general functional features as described above, may rely upon
different components performing different subsets or combinations
of such functions. In other words, the features and sub-components
of the content loader 34 can be organized along different
functional demarcations. In further detail, the content loader 34
may be logically and physically separated into a cell modem 72, and
a smart battery loader 74. The cell modem 72 is generally comprised
of a CPU 76, an RF subsystem 78, and a power management module 80.
The CPU 76 substantially corresponds to the aforementioned
controller 56, and executes various instructions that result in
outputs being generated to control the peripheral components
connected thereto, including the RF subsystem 78 in the cell modem
72, as well as other components in the smart battery loader 74. The
RF subsystem 78 implements the various features of the multi-mode
wireless data communications module 42, including the Wi-Fi
communications mode and the cellular network communications mode
thereof. As indicated above, the activation and use of the
different communications modes is dependent on the state of the
aircraft 10, in particular, whether the aircraft 10 is powered on
or not as determined by the power management module 80, and/or
whether the WoW and door sensors 82 indicate that the aircraft 10
is parked.
[0045] The smart battery loader 74 incorporates an Ethernet switch
84, which corresponds to the aforementioned local area network
module 70. It is connected to the cell modem 72, and specifically
to the CPU 76, such that the multimedia content updates 36
downloaded via the RF subsystem 78 is passed to Ethernet switch 84
and to an SSD network storage 86, also referred to above as the
data storage device 40. According to various embodiments, and with
additional reference back to the diagram of FIG. 1, the multimedia
content updates 36 are downloaded by the cell modem 72 from the
remote content server 38 and saved to the SSD network storage 86
when the aircraft 10 is powered off. Then, when the aircraft 10 is
powered on, the multimedia content updates 36 stored on the SSD
network storage 86 are transferred to the in-flight entertainment
system content server 30. The SSD network storage 86 can also be
used as an integrated storage for the in-flight entertainment
system content server 30. Both the cell modem 72 and the components
of the smart battery loader 74 are powered by battery cells 88,
which correspond to the aforementioned electrical power storage
64.
[0046] Electrical power from the battery cells 88 is directed to
the various components by a battery management and charging circuit
90 when it is so directed by the CPU 76 of the cell modem 72. As
indicated above, this takes place when the aircraft 10 is
stationary and powered down. When the aircraft 10 is powered up,
however, the battery management and charging circuit 90 charges the
battery cells 88 with the electrical power from the main electrical
system of the aircraft 10, which is understood to be a 28V DC
signal. The communication of these various commands between the
battery management and charging circuit 90 and the CPU 76 may occur
over an i2C serial bus connection 92. The status of the battery
cells 88 may be monitored by a battery status monitoring module 94,
which reports temperature and battery charging level information,
among other data, to the cell modem 72, and specifically the CPU
76, which can act on that information to control the batter
management and charging circuit 90, among others. The module 94 may
communicate with the CPU 76 over a serial peripheral interface
(SPI) connection 96.
[0047] The cell modem 72 can be physically embodied in one line
replaceable unit (LRU) 98 as shown in FIG. 4, while the smart
battery loader 74 may be embodied in another LRU. However, it is
also possible to combine the two components into a single LRU 98,
as shown in FIG. 4. As suggested by its name, the LRU 98 is
understood to be interchangeable with other units that have the
same dimensions and mount points on the aircraft 10. When one LRU
98 requires maintenance, another one may be immediately swapped in.
Alternatively, the LRU 98 for the cell modem 72 may replace another
device and supplant its functions entirely.
[0048] The LRU 98 is comprised of a base enclosure 100 that houses
the various components of the cell modem 72 as discussed above. By
way of example only and not of limitation, the base enclosure 100
may be an ARINC 836 casing, with a corresponding flange mount. In
further detail, the base enclosure 100 may have a length dimension
of 8.8'', a width dimension of 6.5'', and a height of 2''. The base
enclosure 100 has electromagnetic shielding, and a first printed
circuit board 102 is disposed therein.
[0049] Mounted to the first printed circuit board 102 is a SIM card
socket 104 which accepts the aforementioned SIM card 48 and locks
it into place. In accordance with the dual SIM card embodiment,
there may be a first socket 104a and a second socket 104b. Because
the SIM card 48 is envisioned to be user-replaceable, the SIM card
socket 104 is accessible from an exterior of the base enclosure
100. Additionally mounted to the first printed circuit board 102 is
a USB port 106, which corresponds to the USB connection 71 of the
content loader 34. The input of power from the aircraft 10 main
electrical system as well as the input of power from the smart
battery loader 74, along with the connection to the local area
network 32, e.g., the Ethernet connection, may be combined into an
aircraft interface connector 108 that is likewise accessible from
the exterior of the base enclosure 100. The mechanical
configuration of the aircraft interface connector 108 may vary, and
the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any
particular one. In order to completely enclose the aforementioned
components, there may additionally be an EMC cover 110 attached to
the open top of the base enclosure 100.
[0050] As indicated above, various embodiments of the present
disclosure contemplate both interior and exterior antennas. An
interior antenna 112 is embodied as a series of conductive traces
114 on a second printed circuit board 116. These conductive traces
114 terminate at a PCB connector 118, to which a flexible connector
cable 120 is attached. The other end of the flexible connector
cable 120, in turn, is connected to a first antenna port 122
accessible from an exterior of the EMC cover 110. The second
printed circuit board 116 is mounted on top of the base enclosure
100, and for alignment purposes, abutting from the base enclosure
100 are a series of support members 124 that interface with
corresponding notches 126 defined on the second printed circuit
board 116. There is a top cover 130 that attaches to the top of the
base enclosure 100, and enclosing the components of the cell modem
72 including the second printed circuit board 116. On the side of
the base enclosure 100 is an exterior antenna connector 128 to
which the antenna lines to the exterior antennas are attached.
[0051] One of the communications mode of the content loader 34
could conform to IEEE 802.16 standards (frequently referred to as
WiMAX) or other standard such as WiBro as is common in South Korea,
or other proprietary standard. In an alternate embodiment, the
content loader 34 includes a third communications mode 140 or more
as indicated in FIG. 1. The first communications mode is preferably
a Wireless LAN modality conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards, the
second mode preferably conforms to WiMAX or WiBro or other
standard, while the third mode is a cellular network modality. In
addition, the content loader 34 may include an ad-hoc networking
modality.
[0052] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the various embodiments of
the content loader only and are presented in the cause of providing
of what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects thereof. In
this regard, no attempt is made to show more details than are
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the presently disclosed
illumination module may be embodied in practice.
* * * * *